Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco talks to the press during media day at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Jan. 29, 2012. / John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

NEW ORLEANS - Joe Flacco is one of the guys the NFL is trying to protect - the quarterback, the star, the money-maker.

But Flacco said Tuesday at Super Bowl XLVII media day the current fine system the league has in place isn't working and should be changed.

"I'm playing the game, man. I understand I'm going to get hit," the Baltimore Ravens quarterback said. "Just because they fine these guys is not going to stop them from hitting me. I'm still going to get hit in the head, in the knees, wherever. I just find it tough to fine people for doing their jobs.

"I understand it, I understand that part of it, to protect those guys, especially the guys that are making all kinds of money, and the NFL would probably lose some money if those guys weren't on the field on Sunday. But I don't think the fine system is stopping players from doing that; it's just taking money out of their pockets."

Flacco's comments were similar to those of many of the 300 players polled by USA TODAY Sports recently on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Many who said they disapprove of the job Goodell is doing pointed to the fines they believe are excessive.

Flacco said there's a misconception the fines levied don't make a dent in players' wallets. He reminded the reporters in front of him plenty of players don't make a ton of money.

Flacco was then asked if suspending players who deliver illegal hits is a better option.

"Well, listen, as long as you're paying the guys. And as long as it wasn't a one-time thing," he replied. "You would have to (come up with) a way to detect whether there was malicious intent to it. Some of those things just happen; they're accidents. You can't really penalize a guy for that.

"A suspension is another thing. It would be one thing if you were still paying the guys while they were suspended. But to suspend a guy without pay, I think, is ridiculous."